PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Gov. Dan McKee on Thursday threw his support behind a proposal to allow state workers and teachers to retire sooner, making the case that the estimated $106 million long-term cost represents fairness for public-sector employees.
At a campaign event surrounded by the leaders of unions which have endorsed his reelection bid, McKee said the time is right to undo some of the pension changes made in 2011 at the urging of then-Treasurer Gina Raimondo.
“Fifteen years ago, a promise was taken away from our workers,” McKee said. “They didn’t break that promise – they kept showing up and doing the job anyway. It’s past time to begin the process of making people whole, and one of the ways I can do that is by putting it in my budget.”…